Nature Conservancy on ‘search-and-destroy’ mission on Cox Island

Amber Fearnley, intern, and Emily Cooper of the Nature Conservancy search for patches of Spartina patens on Cox Island in the Siuslaw River estuary, two miles east of Florence. (courtesy photo)

Four interns from Connec-ticut have been traversing mudflats and jumping tidal creeks to seek invaders that threaten the Siuslaw River estuary. They depart next week, but their efforts at Cox Island, seven river miles from the Pacific Ocean, will leave a positive imprint for years to come.

The interns are associated with the Nature Conservancy program called Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future (LEAF).

They are high school students from “environmental” schools, which offer courses on sustainability and the environment and integrate those themes into core classes. The interns are paid to work on ongoing programs for the conservancy and are also given the opportunity to explore environmental careers.

“Most of the interns come from urban areas, so it is a new experience for them. The program is really designed to make a difference in our most precious resources: our children and nature,” said Debbie Pickering, Oregon coast ecologist for the conservancy.